Two-time University of Houston-Victoria graduate Mitzi McAfee is enjoying her year as president of the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association.

McAfee was sworn in as president of TEPSA at the organization’s annual convention during the summer in Austin. But long before that, she earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from UHV in 1980 and her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction in 1991.

“I had some amazing, cutting-edge professors and lots of hands-on experience,” she said. “My degrees from UHV prepared me well for my current duties.”

Her duties include representing TEPSA’s 5,800 members on various boards and at the state Capitol, TEPSA executive director Sandi Borden said. “She is the spokesperson for the organization.”

McAfee’s role requires her to address state legislators about the concerns of the organization. That includes curriculum, an issue that McAfee said is close to her heart.

“My favorite part would be getting to meet, talk to and be with other principals from all across the state,” she said. “The relationships have been just incredible, and it’s wonderful working together as a TEPSA team to make a difference for Texas kids.”

Founded in 1917, TEPSA unites professional leaders who work to provide quality education for all pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade students.

Outside of her work with TEPSA, McAfee also serves as the principal of Jackson-Roosevelt Elementary School in Port Lavaca, a post she has held for 10 years. Her career includes an 11-year stint as a classroom teacher.

“We do a lot of paperwork to measure how successful we are at producing the best educators we can,” said Mary Natividad, interim dean of the UHV School of Education & Human Development. “I think the best indicator is the success of our graduates like Mitzi McAfee.”